New TISPOL president pledges to improve safety on European roads

Kemppainen, a chief Superintendent in the Finnish National Traffic Police, began his one-year term as President on September 29, succeeding outgoing president Roar Skjelbred Larsen of Norway.

Commenting on such threats, Kemppainen said: ‘The past decade has brought significant reductions in deaths and serious injuries on Europe’s roads. TISPOL’s role in helping to achieve these reductions has been acknowledged by politicians, road safety professionals and policy makers across Europe.

‘We face a number of new threats:

Driving under the influence of drugs is a significant problem, though its exact extent is not well known and understood.

The ageing population means there are far more elderly drivers on the road, and this typically brings risks that stem from slower reaction times, reduced vision, shorter concentration spans and reduced awareness of hazards.

The growing cost of running a car has in some countries led more people to risk driving vehicles that may be in a poor state of repair or without insurance.

Motorcyclists are still over-represented in casualty statistics, so it remains a priority to seek ways of promoting safety through effective education campaigns, aimed not only at riders but also at those who share the road with them.

‘My predecessor, Roar Larsen, understood the need to connect regularly with policy makers and politicians in Brussels, and I am committed to continuing this work of building and maintaining these relationships.

‘I know it will be a busy year, with many challenges, but also with many opportunities. My commanding officers in Finland have given me their full support for this year. I in turn pledge my commitment to represent TISPOL in its efforts to work for greater safety and security on Europe’s roads.’